English Reference
noun · verb

ham

n. · v.
US /ˈhæm/ UK /hˈæm/ ham UK spelling ham's, ham's, hamming

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Cooking

    n.meat from the back leg of a pig, usually preserved with salt or smoke.

    n.the meat from the thigh of a hog, typically cured, salted, or smoked for preservation.

    Simple

    He made a quick sandwich with ham and cheese for his lunch.

    In context

    The chef prepared a honey-glazed ham for the holiday feast, carving thin slices for the guests as they arrived.

    porkgammon
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Informal Theatre

    n.an actor who performs with too much emotion or in a way that is not natural.

    n.an actor who performs in an exaggerated, showy, or amateurish manner.

    Simple

    The lead actor was a bit of a ham, always making huge gestures.

    In context

    Critics dismissed the performance as the work of a total ham who prioritised cheap laughs over emotional depth.

    overactorshow off
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.a person who has a hobby of using a radio to talk to people around the world.

    n.a licensed amateur radio operator who uses designated frequencies for non-commercial exchange of messages.

    Simple

    My uncle is a ham who spends his evenings talking to people in Japan.

    In context

    During the power outage, local hams provided the only reliable communication link between the village and the emergency services.

    amateur radio operator
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    n.the back of the thigh or the buttock area of a person or animal.

    n.the region of the back of the thigh and buttock in humans or the corresponding part of a quadruped.

    Simple

    The athlete felt a sharp pain in his ham while sprinting.

    In context

    The veterinarian examined the horse's hams for signs of muscle wastage following the injury.

    thighbuttock
  5. 05 C1 Advanced Informal Theatre

    v.to act with too much emotion or energy to get attention.

    v.to overact or perform with exaggerated emotions, often used with 'it up'.

    Simple

    The children started to ham it up as soon as they saw the camera.

    In context

    The comedian chose to ham it up for the television audience, knowing that subtle irony might be lost on the viewers at home.

    overactexaggerate
    understate
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated